Youth Culture, Postmodernism, and Social Divisions: An Exploration of Activities, Restrictions, and Expenditures in the Leisure of Spanish University Students

Abstract

The aim of this research was to establish whether there are class differences in the leisure patterns of university students in Southern Spain. Social class was operationalized using three indices that combined cultural and economic factors: family sociocultural status (FSCS), family economic level (FEL), and family socioeconomic status (FSES). The results show that there were no important differences in the frequency of leisure activities between social classes. With respect to monthly expenditures and restrictions on leisure activities, differences existed by FEL, but not by FSCS. Therefore, the results indicate a certain homogeneity in youth leisure activities, but also indicate social class divisions within which leisure activities are experienced and consumed. Economic factors are shown as the most influential in these differences among the university student population.